Chapter Thirteen: Home

"You're free to go. The Fire Lord has released you."

The words Azula has been dreaming about hearing ever since she was put in here; she's heard them in her sleep, and in her dreams. Shadow-Mother used to whisper these words in her ear. But those were all lies and make-believe and all just pretend.

That's why it's hard for her to believe this is all real.

But at the guards escort her through the halls that she was only just a short time ago walking down with Mai, she knows this is real. The smile and the nod from Ming, who holds open the one of the doors for Azula, tears tracks clear on her cheeks. The curt, accepting bow from the warden; if Azula wants to press charges against him for the way he treated her, he will accept that. The jealous, but grudgingly happy looks of the other prisoners as she is marched by.

They all prove this is real.

And then she's outside, blinking in the no-longer blinding sunlight, and the guards have faded away, and Azula is all alone. A needle of ice cold fear pieces her heart. She is all alone, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to.

But not for long.

Because there's Zuko, wearing his scar proudly, dressed in the Fire Lord's robes, a golden flame keeping his top-knot in place. And there's a storm of emotions flying across his face; fear, hope, sadness, joy. Azula wants to laugh, even though her eyes are filling with tears. Zuko was always so easy to read.

Then there's Mai, standing straight as a soldier, her silken robes falling in neat, flawless folds. Her face is perfectly composed, but Azula can see one tear slipping down her cheek, glistening like a diamond in the bright life.

Azula feels as though her heart might burst from happiness.

And somehow all three of them tumble into each other's arms; the Fire Lord, the Fire Lady and the ex-Princess. Tears are falling free and Zuko never, ever, ever wants to let his sister go. He holds her tightly, consoling her through his tears. And Azula is clinging to him, and all she can say is "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Mai is there, kneeling on the ground next to the siblings, allowing her emotions to truly show.

Everything that should have been said but never was is blurted out as the three embrace on the steps of the prison. And deep down, Azula is sad that Ty Lee isn't here. Maybe she will never see the cheerful, pink-wearing woman again. But maybe she will. Who can say? There will be time later to mend and fix the bridges that were broken. But not now. That time is not now.

When she can finally lift her head from her brother's shoulder, Azula can see that the Fire Lord brought the Avatar, and his consort the water-bender. Apologies fall from Azula's lips. All she wants is to be forgiven.

And the Avatar is still scared of her; she can see it in his eyes. The pain and fear she inflicted on him runs deep. Maybe it will always be there. But he still steps forward, because he is the Avatar and this is his job. He still steps forward, and places a hand on her hand, giving her the Avatar's blessing.

Azula is kissing the ground at his feet, and the tears are still falling. Her heart hurts Azula is so happy.

There's so much to do. So much to apologize for. But that will all come later. Now all Azula wants to do is go home. With her family. She want to take a bath, and sleep on a real bed, and eat a real meal, and deal with what must come tomorrow.

This isn't a happy ending. She knows that. There are no happy endings in life. But as Mai helps Azula up, and Zuko escorts her to a carriage, Azula knows this is the closest to a happy ending as she will ever get. Lots of things might go wrong. She hurt a lot of people, and they may never forgive her.

But she is surrounded by people who love her, and will never, ever leave her. Azula finds herself smiling as she leans against her brother's arm, eyes closed, tired.

Let what may come happen.

She was going home.

xENDx

A/N: I want to thank all the wonderful people who reviewed, and/or favourited this story. You are probably the entire reason I continued this story all the way to the end. I hope you enjoyed this story, and once again, thank you.